Forward

2015 was a big year for Ecotrust Canada. We celebrated our 20th anniversary, reflected on our unique qualities as an enterprising non-profit, and transitioned to new leadership.

We accomplished a lot in 2015. Here are a few of our favourites:

• Our ThisFish traceability program helped bring the first Fair Trade-certified seafood in the world to market
• Our Local Economic Development Lab (LEDlab) kicked off its first year, partnering graduate students with innovative community organizations bringing positive change to Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside
• We released Caught Up in Catch Shares, a comprehensive look at the socioeconomic effects of fisheries quotas in BC
• Our Electronic Monitoring program helped to shape fisheries policy in the Gulf of Maine, giving local groundfish fishermen more options for monitoring
• In BC’s Cheakamus Community Forest, we helped fund ecosystem-based forest management through the sale of carbon credits

Twenty years in, 2015 seemed like a fresh starting point; a place to pause, reaffirm our direction, and move forward – full steam ahead.

Irwin Lee has been our Assistant Controller since 2015. Irwin supports our Director of Finance by managing accounts, processing payroll, and assisting in monthly and annual reporting. But it’s not all about the money. “It’s rewarding to work for an organization that has a talented and passionate group of people dedicated to carrying out Ecotrust Canada’s mission.”

“Ecotrust Canada designs solutions for so many different groups and communities while factoring in economic, environmental, and cultural considerations.”

I am honoured and pleased to lead Ecotrust Canada as we move to deepen our impact and develop the staying power we need to build long term solutions to the complex challenges we face.

My first six months have been a whirlwind as I learn the rich project portfolio of our work, walk with staff to understand their perspective and reach out to partners, funders and colleagues to gain insight on the issues and challenges we face. At every turn I find inspiration, impact, creativity and knowledge; Ecotrust Canada is a problem solver with deep and trusted relationships in communities throughout Canada.

In the months and years to come we will be highlighting the critical role that Ecotrust Canada’s leadership plays throughout Canada. I invite you to join us in our efforts to build economic alternatives in the places we call home.